Saudi Justice Minister: Full autonomy for the judiciary in the Khashoggi case

The case of journalist Jamal Khashoggi took place on Saudi sovereign territory and that it will be looked at by Saudi courts when all procedures are complete, according to Saudi Arabia's justice minister in a statement via the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council Sheikh Dr. Waleed bin Mohammad al-Samaani stressed that the judiciary enjoys full independence in the case of journalist Jamal Kashoggi, pointing out the case will take its regular course in Saudi Arabia and will reach the judiciary once all procedures are completed.

Al-Samaani said that the directives and decisions ordered by Saudi King Salman, in the wake of the sad and tragic event that took the life of Jamal Khashoggi, are a continuation of the state's approach.

"We, as Saudi citizens, are proud and proud of our people, who have spared no effort in caring for the homeland and the citizens of this blessed country,” he was quoted as saying.

He also stressed that the judicial institution in Saudi Arabia was founded on the principles of Islamic law and the values of justice upon which the kingdom of Saudi Arabia was built, “bearing in mind the application of the provisions of the Shariah which enjoins the implementation of justice and the realization of the right and the establishment of the values of justice.”

He added that King Salman and the Crown Prince are “the supporters of the judicial institution to stand in the face of anyone who wanted to harm the country or harm the rights of citizens, whoever he was.”

The Minister of Justice said that Saudi Arabia is “steadfast in its justice and will not be destabilized by any aggressive behavior practiced by others by reckless means of media and lack of professionalism and credibility”.

So far, 18 suspects, all of Saudi nationality, are currently in custody and accused of attempting to cover up the death.

An official source quoted by Saudi Press Agency confirmed that Saudi Arabia is taking all the necessary measures to clarify the truth into the Khashoggi case and emphasized that it would be holding all those involved accountable.